Could Ghana’s Cardinal Turkson Be the Next Pope? A Historic Moment Awaits!"
The Catholic Church stands at a pivotal moment following the passing of Pope Francis on April 21, 2025, at age 88. As the world mourns, attention turns to the secretive process of selecting the next pope—a decision that could make history, with Ghana’s Cardinal Peter Turkson emerging as a top contender. This blog explores how the next pope will be chosen and why Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle believes Turkson’s election would be a monumental honor for Ghana, tapping into Google’s trending keywords like “next pope,” “Cardinal Turkson,” and “papal conclave.”
The process begins with the conclave, a sacred gathering of the College of Cardinals, expected within two to three weeks of the pope’s funeral. Only cardinals under 80—currently 138, per Vatican reports—can vote. They convene in the Sistine Chapel, casting secret ballots up to four times daily until a candidate secures a two-thirds majority. Black smoke signals no decision; white smoke announces a new pope. This centuries-old tradition, dramatized in the Oscar-nominated film *Conclave*, blends solemnity with strategy, as cardinals weigh theological, cultural, and global priorities.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, 76, is a standout candidate. Born in Wassaw Nsuta, Ghana, to a Methodist mother and Catholic father, Turkson rose from humble roots to become Ghana’s first cardinal in 2003, appointed by Pope John Paul II. His resume is impressive: former Archbishop of Cape Coast, head of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, and current Chancellor of the Pontifical Academies of Sciences. Known for his progressive views on climate change, poverty, and inclusivity, Turkson aligns with Pope Francis’s legacy, making him a bridge between tradition and modernity. If elected, he’d be the first Black pope in modern history, a landmark for the Church’s 1.39 billion followers, especially in Africa, where Catholicism is surging.
Most Rev. Palmer-Buckle, Metropolitan Archbishop of Cape Coast, passionately champions Turkson. In a TV3 interview, he called Turkson’s potential election “a great honour for Ghana,” citing his age, experience, and global influence. “Ghana’s flag will fly high,” Palmer-Buckle declared, reflecting national pride. Yet, he urged prayer, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the cardinals. Turkson’s candidacy resonates beyond Ghana, symbolizing the Church’s growing diversity, with over 250 million Catholics in Africa. His diplomatic skills and advocacy for justice make him a unifying figure for a polarized world.
Speculation is rife, with other “papabile” like Hungary’s Cardinal Peter Erdo and the Philippines’ Cardinal Luis Tagle also in the mix. Betting sites like Polymarket show Turkson at 7%, trailing Tagle’s 30%. Still, Vatican insiders highlight Turkson’s unique blend of pastoral care and administrative prowess, honed in Ghana and Rome. As searches for “who will be the next pope” trend, Turkson’s name sparks hope for a transformative papacy.
The conclave’s outcome remains uncertain, but Turkson’s candidacy could redefine the Church’s future. For Ghana, it’s a chance to shine on the global stage. Will the white smoke herald a historic first? Only time—and the Holy Spirit—will tell.
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